Jeep Gladiator Rubicon vs. Chevy Colorado ZR2 - 2019 Off-Road Truck Comparison
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- čas přidán 5. 07. 2024
- This video chronicles an off-road truck comparison test of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon and the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. The Gladiator is by far the most anticipated new vehicle of the year. This all-new crew-cab 4WD midsize pickup is basically a four-door Wrangler with a 5-foot truck bed instead of an enclosed cargo area. The Chevy Colorado ZR2 is a more traditional crew-cab pickup that has been around a few years.
While all Gladiators are built to excel off-road, the Rubicon is the top-level offering with oversize off-road tires, a lifted suspension with special Fox shocks, a disconnecting stabilizer bar, and lockable front and rear differentials. Likewise, the ZR2 is the most extreme off-road variant of the Colorado lineup. It also has knobby off-road tires, a lifted suspension with unique Multimatic shocks, and lockable front and rear differentials, but its front stabilizer bar is fixed.
We took both of these trucks out into our local desert to see how they compared on silty desert trails, washboard dirt roads, whoop-de-dos, narrow canyons, mud hills and sand dunes. We also brought them to an off-road training area to try them out on a constructed obstacle. In the end, the result highlighted the differences you might expect between a Jeep truck with a solid front axle and a more typical pickup with an independent front suspension. Which one did we like more? Watch the whole thing to find out.
About the 2019 Chevy Colorado ZR2
The Chevrolet Colorado won a recent three-way truck comparison by offering a better overall mix of on- and off-road performance than the Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Ranger. But that was the more mainstream Colorado Z71. The ZR2 we tested here is a more niche version of the Colorado lineup that we chose to better match up against the Jeep.
Apart from the off-road suspension, the ZR2 shares many of the Colorado's strengths and weaknesses. Its V6 engine and eight-speed transmission are a good combination, making the truck pleasant to drive on the pavement. The interior is easy to use and the audio system is straightforward, but the back seat is a bit tight for four adults, especially if they are tall. Curiously, the off-road suspension rides fairly smoothly on the highway despite a bit of extra tire noise from the knobbies.
See our Chevy Colorado Review: www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/col...
Watch our other truck comparison test with the Chevy Colorado: • Ford Ranger vs. Toyota...
About the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
The new Gladiator may just be the perfect vehicle for those who want a Jeep but need a truck. It benefits from the Wrangler's well-sorted V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission combination, and it has the same impressive-to-look-at and easy-to-use interior as the newest Wrangler. And its pickup credentials are real: The Sport S can tow 7,650 pounds and has a 1,600-pound payload, but even the Rubicon can tow 7,000 pounds.
Yes, the driving experience does suffer a bit from the very Jeepy solid front axle, but that's offset by a smooth-riding coil-spring rear suspension. And it's true that the Gladiator's wheelbase is a bit long compared to other crew-cab pickups. That's a mixed bag because it smooths out the ride and tracks it straighter on the road, but it also reduces breakover clearance and makes it more likely to drag its belly off-road. This aspect is meaningful if you compare it to a Wrangler, but it's less significant when compared to other midsize trucks.
See our Jeep Gladiator Review: www.edmunds.com/jeep/gladiato...
Watch our 2020 Jeep Gladiator video: • 2020 Jeep Gladiator: T...
Watch our Jeep Gladiator vs. Jeep Wrangler video: • Jeep Wrangler vs. Jeep...
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The more I see the ZR2, the more I love it.
It’s a sexy truck that’s for sure especially compared to the base Colorado
That automatic transmission though😒
A just like the original zr2s compared to the base 2wd s10s
It's a cheap Raptor is all....
Surfside agree
I've had Jeeps forever. CJs, Cherokees, Grand Cherokees and Wranglers. l finally bought a ZR2 because l needed a truck. And let me tell you something that truck is FANFUCKINGTASTIC!
It's on a Rubicon's level offroad and lightyears ahead on road.
It tows my boat hauls all my camping gear and plenty of firewood for a weekend.
Their visibility concerns are valid and I've moved my spare tire and cut the exhaust. I've also added baby skid plates for the rear shocks! I love it and my jeep friends are impressed too.
Yeah, I added the Datin shock skids on mine. Definitely a good investment, they're heavy duty. I also added the GM tire carrier for the bed and the AFE hi tuck DPF back exhaust. The factory under bed spare location and exhaust (especially the diesel exhaust) really aren't ideal for hitting the trail. I absolutely love my ZR2.
Diesel?
@@pedrohizzle2835 yes.
👍👍👍👍👍👍
@@johnclevenger1475 No one is talking about a solid front axle because it's not 1995.
Check out 11:20 and you'll see that the ZR2 actually scores HIGHER than the Jeep when both have their sway bar connected.
The ZR2's sway bar is fairly easy to disconnect and unless you're really getting crazy it's not necessary.
Edmunds, I’m impressed with the quality of this video. It was informative and despite being long, was almost always giving good information and not wasting anybody’s time. I have mostly avoided edmunds since you got rid of Insideline, but this was a step in the right direction.
I agree 👍
I’m not good at explaining things but you explained it very well and I think that he did a very good job on the video
Agreed! I hardly use Edmunds for anything anymore since they got rid of insideline and their website became so user unfriendly.
A lot of people complain about a deep bed because it's more difficult to access but I much prefer a deep bed over a shallow one. Makes it easier to store and secure loose items. Plus if you have a bed cover a deep bed is more beneficial. The Jeeps bed is so shallow you wouldn't be able to fit much underneath a cover.
Plus getting in and out is easy because the built in bumper step. I use it all the time.
@@derikbishop3144 On a standard Colorado/Canyon I definitely agree with you. I have a Canyon and the steps make it extremely easy to get into the bed. They removed the steps from the ZR2 though so not only is the bed higher but you don't have that assistance.
@@Greg-wz7fk well I did not know that. They should figger that out then.
@@derikbishop3144 Yeah basically they found out when doing serious off roading the sidesteps would get pinched shut so they removed them. So I don't expect them to put them back on.
That's why step sides need to make a return
Is it too much to ask for a 2 door gladiator with a shorter wheelbase?
I have a ZR2 diesel and I have never owned anything like it. The torque of the diesel off road is so nice that I will never go back to a gas motor. Also I have got as good as 28mpg.
So basically you drive whatever loaner they have at the GM dealer? I haven't run into one person with that truck who hasn't had massive issues.
There's nothing quite like a diesel.
@Kevin Prima wow ur informed
Sue Schwaber ... I bought a 1999 chevy suburban with a 6.5 turbo diesel and like you I will never go back to gas. My engine is in the machine shop now because I only got 427,000 miles before it lost a little compression. I like the diesel so much that I'm rebuilding the motor. The only things I replaced, other then the oil were the injectors and the turbo cartridge The machine shop said the cylinders were worn only 0.002 inches and the block had not warped. They kept asking "how many miles?' " 200 thousand?"
You have the duramax diesel. I hear very good things about that engine.
@Kevin Prima how do they suck? They are more fuel efficient, create more torque can tow more, and are more reliable everyone in Australia use diesel 4wds which is saying something because if you break down in the Australian out back you'll die
I had a 2018 Jeep JLUR and traded it in, now I have a 2019 ZR2 - it is so much of a better vehicle. The Jeep may have better ultimate off-road capability - but to be honest I will never push my old JLUR or my ZR2 to that point. What I do experience is the infinitely better ride of the ZR2 on daily basis. I hated driving the Jeep on the highway - the ZR2 is really, really nice. It’s a better vehicle.
My family loves our ZR2!! Such a fun truck.
Family, so you don't really need a truck, you want a glorified SUV that you think makes you look tough and rugged. LOL. You're just the kind of douches that drive up the costs.
Monsterbaby if you complain about the prices of trucks, you most likely cant afford anything to tow.
@@daquanwalls5031 I'm sure I can afford way more than you 2 clowns I pay cash for everything I buy. Have fun with your 6 and 7 year loans. By they way, most people know the reason you buy trucks that you don't need is your low self esteem and your minuscule body parts. LOL
What engine?
@@stubby1122 the type of nigga to never take his whole family off-roading
There are so many categories under "off-road". It's hard to say one is a better offroader than the other.
I'm a Jeep guy but the Chevy looks good, more subtle. If it has the diesel engine even better.
This just makes me realize how much I love my P4X Frontier and the upgrades I’m working on for it
I like this. Clear, simple, comprehensive and technical presentation, with minimal fussy editing or music.
I'll take the ZR2.
Good video, but I feel like the pricing was a bit off on what you’re getting. To list the ZR2 as “$43,495 base price,” you should come out and say it’s fully loaded as it’s the top of the line Colorado. What additional features are there really that would add more than a few thousand dollars, while the base price on the Jeep is for the lowest end, legit base model, some $20,000 cheaper than the model you tested. The Colorado you drove was a $43,000 model, the Rubicon you drove was over $60,000. List a “price as tested,” next time.
@Wumpity Wumplet news.pickuptrucks.com/2019/04/order-a-2020-jeep-gladiator-launch-edition-maybe-win-100k.html
You're correct, it is outrageous, yet true. Google it, there are tons of sites reporting north of $60,000.
The video is comparing a $43,000 fully loaded ZR2 to a $60,000 fully loaded Rubicon but ending the video stating their similar "base prices." They didn't review a base model Gladiator, they reviewed a Rubicon. That's the issue I have with the video, and you're proof of how deceiving that is. Those two vehicles reviewed were implied to be the same price yet they are not.
The Duratracs on the ZR2 are great tires. I have them on my 2 door Jeep Jk. The tires are quiet on the road, and perform excellent offroad in most conditions.
Quiet in the road? I own the ZR2 and these tires are the loudest I've ever had.
These two trucks stand out above all the others because they have LOCKERS! Too bad the "Off Road Comparison" part of this video did not even address their most valuable features.
The Ram Power Wagon has true front/rear lockers AND a winch. It's just too damn big in its 2500 configuration. Still just as capable in testing as the zr2 minus the approach angles and articulation
Central Intelligence Agency Power Wagon the best truck on the market. Problem is it’s so fucking big and heavy that off roading can be a bitch.
Matt Steendahl My frontier pro4x has bilsteins, skid plates, and a rear locker.
@Revolvin GoattYeah, only drawback is it'll be a turd - forever.
So jeep finally pulled out a pickup, but can't beat the ZR2. That's what I saw in this video. May not have been what they were saying, but I saw the ZR2 out performing the jeep.
Madman9mm ,,,,yikes,,,,,then you watched a different video.
Not sure what video you watched? Maybe the flat dirt roads, and the sand section. Technical trails there will be no comparison between the two stock vs stock. Not to mention the huge aftermarket for the gladiator already.
@@doch5123 the technical trails where the jeep gets high centered all the time? cool story fan boy
@@joshuaolson2493 But the skid plate slid right over.
@@joshuaolson2493 take the zr2 to the hammers and see how long it lasts. The gladiator already did it. Skid plates are there for a reason. BTW I have done the hammers myself. The Chevy wouldn't have a prayer.
ZR2 all day - can't wait for them to refresh it a bit though and add some LED DRLs and HIDs.
My new 2022 Zr2 midnight special edition looks mean. Still has the halogens but that's an easy upgrade to LED. 🤙🏾
Just an Isuzu D-Max in other words: Don't get better than that
This was Car and Driver levels of bias. Edmunds just assumes the ZR2 isn't doing well on that section of road, claims they should have spent more time tuning in these conditions, maybe add an extra mode. It then literally cuts to Calvin stating how well the ZR2 was doing...... Love it......
On rough roads the Zr2 is the best vehicle that I have ever driven.
I’m in love with the Jeep Gladiator ❣️
I just bought ZR2 Duramax Diesel and I love it. It goes anywhere. I was out wheeling in Hollister and it went everywhere that a lot of custom crawlers and side by sides went. I love it.
Nice.
I think it comes down to what you intend to use your truck for. The ZR2 is better on the highway and higher speed dirt roads. The Jeep is better in the slow extreme off road. Sway bar disconnect in the rubicon and lockers. The ZR2 is probably a more refined and smoother ride on the street. Jeeps are not going to beat a Zr2 or Tacoma on the street, but they aren't designed to. The straight axle Jeep will always rule extreme off road.
true, the Tacoma and ZR2 are more towards on-road work trucks converted for off-road and desert racing. The Gladiator is an off-road truck converted to road use. its just geared for much more technical climbs
I understand your point, but why not just buy a wrangler rubicon and get the epic breakover if you're into serious crawling?
As a ZR2 owner, that's always been my views on all these trucks. Maybe to bring in a larger view of the off road spectrum, jeep is the king of rock crawling, the raptor is the king of desert racing, and the rest fall somewhere in between.
Excellent review. The Gladiator is very impressive. However, for my use, if I were in the market for a truck, I'd go with the ZR2.
Ford is the best
@@louisbarningham fk'd on race day 😝
Louis Barningham the best way to get to a mechanic
I like jeeps too.
But the dude was a jeep fan boy.
The zr2 out performed the Gladiator in this video.
maybe a bit but you cant take the doors or roof off the zr2 lol
Did you watch the right video? In what way did the Zr2 outperform the Jeep? If anything these two we're fanboying the Zr2 they bought for long term review. At the beginning, they complained and shut off the fancy multi-matic suspension wasn't properly calibrated. Both trucks slid along the tubular obstacle in their armored sections, yet the chevy dragged the exhaust. The jeep outperformed in the RTI test that they did. AND it has a lower tow rating than ANY of the trims for the Gladiator. They even complained about the bed also. Talk about being a shill for all the salty Chevy fanboys out there. They liked the Jeep so much because it was better in a lot of ways. Also, good luck replacing those fancy shocks on the Zr2 out of warranty costing almost 1k a side.
@@ayton6642 actually youre right - i dont know anything about trucks. But if i was to buy a truck id only buy the jeep and most likely the rubicon model since i own a jl rubicon and its the baddest thing on the streets in my city.
@@ayton6642 , first.
In this video review.
The 3 hour ride there and back
ZR2.
The Tubes
ZR2 didn't drag
The higher speed ZR2.
ZR2 is smoother, you saw him bouncing in the jeep while trying to talk.
They didn't show anything where the jeep would out perform the zr2.
Remember, this is the jeep truck and until you lift it and put 35/37tires on it..
The ZR2 is better.
Where the zr2 loses is being able to handle 37 inch tires.
But those are stock trucks...
And you can disconnect the front sway bar on the ZR2 if you really want to.
It's just not electronic an easy.
@@outherree , that's correct.
I had both a JK recon and a JKU AEV jeep.
I do miss being able to remove those things.
I don't miss having to put them back on though...lol.
This video production was *legit* - had to have been a complex undertaking. Thanks for putting this together!
00ll
Zr2 for the win for me. It overall performs better. On the way to the trial it drives great and on the trail it dose even better. Drove better on the obstacles without scrubbing and has more power and torque
less towing, less suspension travel. for offroad that chevy is a piece of shit. no front locker. no front sway disconnect. just add 35's to the Jeep and you will miss your skid plates. But thats why they are there. Spend 500$ on springs and raise the jeep an inch or two. Dont need lots of power for a crawler.
idk man. the low range wasnt that good. The guy couldn't see out of it offroad which is kind of necessary when you're out on your own. The lower towing is a joke. Seriously, look at what campers you can tow under 5000 lbs. None of those are really something you'd want to live with. The tall bed makes it hard to get in and get things out of. I mean it really missed the mark. Yes it drives slightly better on the highway, but so does a sportscar. Needing someone to direct you on obstacles means it's worse at going over them. You can't really fault a Jeep for using it's engineered solution to get over obstacles
Buford the zr2 has front and back lockers
@@jaysony5751 but it has ifs so if you have the front locker on you will most likely snap a front cv pretty easily . not saying it's a bad truck... but it's not really comparable to a jeep
Buford “ifs”????
Impressive comparison. Best one I've seen from Edmunds in the aspect of off road usability comparisons. Nice work!
Great review. Nice to see something thorough and on a real test course.
It felt like the guy driving the zr2 was attempting to be objective. It felt like the guy driving the Jeep was paying Jeep back for letting them have early access to a Gladiator. But honestly, can't go wrong with either truck. I was split 50/50 on them, and went with the Zr2 because I didn't want to wait, and was able to pick it up for the price of a lower trim gladiator. I also already see too many Wranglers on the road, and the Zr2 is more distinctive, as it is its own thing, not a variation of something else. Gladiator looks cool, but I could see it going the way of the Hummer where it looks tacky in 3 years after we've seen too many of them.
Bart87 and no Taco TRD pro
Even when he found a negative, he'd gloss over them and always make sure to say it's not that bad anyway, then immediately get on the radio and list about 10 persevied negatives on a truck he wasn't even driving.
You choose well. The only thing a Gladiator has going for it is tow/haul numbers, which are far surpassed by a full size truck, which would not only be much more comfortable, capable, and less expensive, but not much bigger to boot.
Great vid guys. I've got a blue ZR2 and hope to take her out to a place like that one day.
Great review!! Keep it up. Love how thorough this was you covered all kinds of terrain and even a ramp index. And I think you are spot on with the good and bad of each.
I'll keep the zr2 v6. It's a winner in my books.
I watch alot of March 30th release video of jeep Gladiator at 12am and so far your environment and reviews are much more entertaining. I love the scenery. 🚙
i don't think the height of the bed or the load floor with the seat folded down is a big issue because alot of enthusiasts will lift their vehicle or put on bigger tyres anyways
I was surprised by your video and enjoyed it. I didn’t know you did videos. Enjoyed and will look for more.
As a third time Jeep Wrangler owner and a potential Gladiator buyer, I’m glad you did the angle tests (approach, breakover and departure). Very informative and will help me greatly in making my purchase.
Yeah I agree the ZR2 is extremely well balanced and is a far better vehicle! My ZR2 has been through hell and back and not giving me any problems whatsoever and you could zip over the dunes and Rockwell in stock form and it would blow the doors off of the Jeep hands down! Do you want to spend more money on tires you can do it with a ZR2 and a couple other modifications it would be unbeetable Beast! The ZR2 is the more comfortable vehicle off-road hands down not even close
If you do get a gladiator they have an optional lift kit from the factory. I suggest you get it solved most of the problems.
I wish they had a regular cab or extended cab option. That truck is way too long for my needs.
i doubt they would sell well. Most of the customers are the people who buy jeeps and never offroad them
@@maxwell5428 just once I want to see a "which truck handles the grocery store parking lot better" video.
Nicholas Desmarais you do know that the Wrangler Unlimited is a thing, and has been for a very long time?
@Eazy Gunz check out the Dodge Ram 2500 v10 review by Top Gear.
Imagine if they could have made that Jeep like the Avalanche, so back seats can flip forward to get 8 feet of bed.
I honestly think jeep is its own market. Chevy is in the mid size truck market and jeep is in the jeep market. If someone wants a gladiator they are usually not comparison shopping.
Frank Smith - This ^ guy gets it!! The jeep is in the ‘specialty vehicle category’ like the Ford Raptor, for instance. whereas the Chevy is solidly in the midsize truck category! If you have any doubts check out the price that dealers are asking for the Gladiator!! In my area they retail for $55k - $65k!
Well, I've wanted a truck for a long time but I love my Wrangler. I thought the Gladiator was the obvious answer (my heart wants it), I'm kind of wondering if a "normal truck" and keeping my '07 Wrangler would be the best option. Still not ready financially anyway to buy today.
So, I'm a Jeep guy but maybe keeping my Jeep would still make me a Jeep guy :)
A very nice review. I appreciate the points noted. I’ll have to watch more from your channel.
great job. this is the first video I'm aware of that shows the Jeep Gladiator with top off, doors off and windshield down.
They complain about the spare tire on the zr2 but they have a bed mounted option
@guy proulx jeeps have zero space but people still use them
@guy proulx my original comment was that they complain about the bottom mount spare but they have a bed mounted option. you're talking about not having space in the bed all I'm saying there are other 4x4 with even less cargo space
Nooooooo
Gladiator basically needs a 2-3" lift and 35s from the factory because otherwise there is a lot more risk of damage.
Right! I can't understand why they chose such a long wheelbase on a vehicle like the Jeep.
Because they already have the wrangler JL 4 door? It comes from the factory with 33s and space leftover for 35s with literally doing nothing else.
@@Jackmerius_Tacktheretrix because 9 out of 10 people will never have an issue with it in stock form. And the 1 person who will is probably going to mod it anyway.
@@linger2001 very true, but I'd be one of the few that would use this for offroading. The reason I like my discovery II so much is the short wheelbase for a 4 door. It has an amazing breaker angle.
I feel like Chrysler adding a 5 foot bed to a stock Wrangler frame was a bad choice because it looks like an aftermarket frame extension from a 3rd party mod compant
ZR2 for me. The Gladiator looks good and all. The ZR2 is my choice.
Good job guys! This was an excellent and very informative video. I liked it enough to share it on Facebook. Again, good job gentlemen.
Jeep did a great job with the Gladiator. Great job Jeep! That Zr2 can hold its own and is a great truck as well. Both are one oem v8 swap away from being an absolute monsters. Well see who takes that jump first.
V8 Swap... member when the Colorado came with an all aluminum 5.3L V8?
I'm more interested in what the diesel option for the gladiator will be like tbh.
There will be a hemi or hellcat Gladiator in the first month they are available for general sales. It will be $240K, but it will exist. (there already a company making jeep trucks out of Rubicon Wranglers and they cost a shitload).
@@t4thfavor1212 You have always been able to get a pick up truck style hard top kits for $2k-$5k if thats you're thing.
@@Sir.VicsMasher What does that have to do with a V8 Gladiator? This comment is confusing.
This channel doesn't understand trucks.. the bed of the zr2 is too deep?! and you weren't kidding 😒
Next thing you'll be saying is 5ft beds are too long😂
Surfside exactly
I haven't read or seen a SINGLE video or article from a mainstream automobile journalist that understands trucks, ever! 3/4 or 1 ton tests are the absolute worst. And right, the more I can haul, the better. I only consider 3/4 and 1 ton pickups fit for work these days.
I tuned out after he said ‘whoop dee doos’
Sounds like the dummest shit.
That's true but don't you think they are getting a little too high? I'm 6'6" and even I find my 2014 Sierra a bit difficult when trying to fish an item out of the back of the bed that has slide to the middle or front. Sure it easier to haul more but I want kick it where the sun don't shine when something slides just out of reach. Heck my Dad needs a step ladder on his 2016 RAM with that junky air ride that lowers the truck. It's one of the things I missed on my old 2001 F150.
Most truck guys complain about high sides IME. It's the ones who don't use the bed that don't care.
ZR2 looks so much nicer. 😎
Mr. Josh not about what looks nicer duh
@@flame1973 good one dipshit
BSfunk44 ?
Great video guys! Thanks for this comparison.
The only advantage the Jeep has over the ZR2 is the option to take the roof and doors off. Besides that, the ZR2 wins, hands down.
I personally like the option of a manual transmission available at any trim level. Plus best in class payload and towing.
That's true... That is if you ignore the Gladiator has a better interior, better outward visibility, offers a manual as an option, has a higher payload rating and has a higher towing rating.
V8Supercar1 I’m not buying an overlanding vehicle to tow a horse trailer. I have no desire for a manual, and I can upgrade the interior later if I want.
@@Patriot3791 Thats you. But my point is, they both have advantages over each other.
And 35’s stock. This vehicle needs 35’s. At that point. It will be without reproach in the off road department. If Jeep dealerships were smart, they would offer 35’s on the floor.
The jeep looks like something I would drive in my 20's, but couldn't afford in my 20's. The Zr2 still has the badass factor, but more respectable for the lion's share of the market who can actually afford these trucks.
Agreed, I’d buy it but not for another 10 years unfortunately
To me at least it seems the Gladiator is like the midsize Dodge Powerwagon...rugged, muscular but still capable off road but just not as nimble(?) or fast. Whereas the ZR2 is like the Ford Raptor....quick, fast(er) relatively speaking and fun. Comes down to I would say more work capable vs more spirited off road fun. Starting to appreciate the look of the Gladiator more now that its been out for a little bit especially from the side. Probably better with a set of 35s on it. Very cool review!
..uu2kwk$i2u2hqyu2uwi2ii2iwiwkwkwkwkwk2o2o
Hari
Like this for the ZR2
ZR2. Front/rear locker. Shorter wheel base. Diesel.
The Jeep also has front and rear lockers, as well as electronic disconnecting sway bars. There will be a diesel next year. You are correct about the shorter wheelbase, but you can put 35 inch tires on the Jeep without any further modifications, which would help with the breakover angles. I will say this for the Colorado, the Bison is pretty cool, but AEV could not do much else with it as far as suspension because Chey did not want to have them move the mounts for those big ass shocks they have. I will be curious to see how well tose hold up over time with heavy use. Not to mention the Bison is very difficult to get a hold of due to low production numbers. Both are cool Enjoy what you got!
A dynamic spool valve suspension on a truck?? That's definitely unique.
shopping for a midsized pickup and its come down to a chevy zr2 and a jeep gladiator, this video was awesome!
I don't even want either of these vehicles but damn was this a well-made video. Edmunds, keep up the good work
So you're coming out of the closet with this post?
I’m a Jeep guy, but would buy the ZR2 if I needed a truck. Better value & I like the design more than the Jeep. Jeep interior is nicer.
Towing and payload go to jeep too
I’d probably go with a Tacoma. Toyota is basically at reliability level 100.
Feel like the colorado is still more of a truck than the gladiator
ptpvideogaming Why is that?
The colorado is a better truck on the street, but they have the same size bed. The gladiator has a higher payload.
Even though the jeep tows and hauls more?
And the Jeep has a solid front axle?
@@333jsh yep, that too. I'd take the jeep in a hearbeat
Dang, I was hoping for Largos Cago. Cool video though, thanks for making it.
Nice video, keep the good work.
Wish they had put the lockers to the test... I mean, that's the feature the separates these two rigs from everything else and if you're really in the gunk there is nothing like front and rear lockers. I LOVE Jeeps but am not liking the extra long wheelbase and rear overhang on the Gladiator.
The bison colorado has front/rear lockers and 2 higher then the zr2 shown here. That's the one I would get. If I didn't have my 14 2dr Rubicon.
They kept talking about how much more clearance and approach angle the Jeep had but it kept scraping the rear bumper in places the ZR2 didn’t touch either bumper.
Win for ZR2.
Aftermarket could easily give Jeep the win.
You guys deserve more views
Price matters, I will pass on the Jeep Gladiator. I'm all for the ZR2!!
It's funny that they said a solid front axle offers more articulation than an independent front end, then when they get on the RTI the ZR2 scores better.
Take the swaybar off and it would do as good as the Gladiator.
I really like both. The ZR2 is perfect for my central NJ location, but I really like the Gladiator and its jeep capability as well as the fact you can get a manual transmission. But if I HAD to choose one as a daily, probably the ZR2. If the Gladiator came with a hemi(I know it wont) orif the diesel came with a stick, I'd grab that
You need to compare those to my hummer H3T alpha, not as new but it’s got lockers good angles and most similar
Great video - both are awesome vehicles!
We all wanted Power Wagon capability in a smaller truck and here it is.
And I'm not sure if I like it. I have to see one "in the wild" to be sure but it just looks too awkward off road compared to the ZR2.
I'm really surprised that neither of you commented on the gladiator ' s rear suspension. In the video, it looked like there wasn't any! The zr2 looked composed through all of the terrain that the gladiator looked like it was having a hernia.
I guess were both watching a different show .I 'm pretty sure I heard the guy's voice shaking in the ZR2 from the chevy;s suspension . LOL
What a friggen fantastic review program.
The jeep is good for a daily commuter and mall crawler and even better so with the diesel, but only biased fans would say its ahead of the game in its class. I love the look of both but if i had to choose one id go with the zr2 diesel.
It is very easy to find a v6 zr2 for under $40,000 new, diesels for $42,000. That is a bargain. There is no way the dealers with be giving discounts on the Gladiator anytime soon. So real world price difference is a bit higher.
There will be discounts on the gladiator 100%
Gladiator starts at 35k
@@SPNKr02 "STARTS" is the key word. 4X4 colorado/tacoma/rangers start at about $26k.... fully loaded Chevy Colorado with all the bells and whistles will barely break $48k. You want the fully loaded (compatible level) jeep? you are in the $64k ball park.
So unless you are buying a bare bones jeep, you're spending way over the chevy or any other competitor.
Jeep at all comparably equipped levels is about $8k to $10k more then any other mid sized trucks...
its likely more off road capable and likely will have a much better resale then the others, but unless you've got money to burn or a die hard jeeper... this is way over priced... especially when everyone complains the other mid size trucks are too expensive.
Gladiator will be 60k loaded. Go try. Lol
@@SPNKr02 There's a chevy dealership by me that has a zr2 for $36,500
Those final words of explanation were great. Makes me want to take my truck out west to those beautiful places. A 4x4 truck should make an excellent overlanding vehicle with a popup bed camper!
It's a good video. A big long but there is a lot of good information and a fair comparison. If you are trying to decide between these two trucks you should watch this video.
I've owned 3 Wranglers and 1 Chevy Colorado LT. I love my wranglers and wanted a Gladiator but I would say the colorado is a very good choice as well, especially with their AutoTrac 4WD system, making my life in the mountains of PNW so much easier. The only problem of Colorado is that no much aftermarket accessories to choose from.
ZR2 looks better, jeep is probably a better experience. Better visibility, can get a manual, manual t-case (solenoids transfer cases SUCK), and you can put the top down. I'd be very interested if it came in a shorter cab & a half version, or even a single cab.
love them both but the jeep dragged it belly pretty hard,and smashed its rea,r, worse than the ZR2
The problem is the Gladiator is too long and has a pretty bad break-over angle so while the straight axels, disconecting sway bar and the front and rear lockers are nice, the wheelbase is just too long and you're better off geting a Wrangler Unlimited
@@Wynorrific and it's way too expensive
Give it 35s and it went over these obstacles no problem. But I agree with Casper...too expensive.
You can’t put big fat tires on Colorado. In a Jeep you can.
Derek Phantom Put some big fat tires on with spacers and lift in a Jeep. You can’t put bigger tires on Colorado.
This by far is the best review. Unbiased and very informative. Thank you guys!
These guys suck balls
Hey that's my guy Calvin from our days at Porsche, what's up Big Guy? Long time no see…cool video! I shall subscribe...
i think ill go with the zr2
The fact the the Jeeps recirculating ball steering system is much stronger and safer than a rack and pinion off-road or hitting pot holes.
Nice video guys. Could get a hold of a ZR2 Bison with Diesel engine? Where was filmed at?
I own the Colorado but I also love the gladiator as well. Both are great midsize trucks and are fun to drive
Did y'all just say the bed is too deep ? y'all aren't real truck guys
It's probably just cause they're 5'-2" tall.
Considering the Gladiator loaded is $65,000 I would take the Chevy over it any day of the week!
Chevy needs to drop a 5.3 in this bad boy and it would smoke a Raptor.Or build a ZR2 1LE. Aluminum LT4, trailing arms and coils in back for 55k, or full independent in back with the Vette transaxle tucked up inside the frame to avoid damage and improve weight distribution for 65k.
Would have loved to have seen an off-road race of some sort but other than that overall great video. There was some details left out about the ZR2 such as the bed rear tire holder that can be optioned from the factory. Also would have been nice to have an unbiased opinion on the Jeep Gladiator since Dan already owns a Jeep Wrangler. Still got my thumbs up!
This missed alot on both sides. They didnt even talk about the front and rear lockers on the gladiator.
@@MrTrip3ace the zr2 also has front and rear lockers.
An off-road truck comparison where they didn't even have to use lockers...
You're looking at a lot of damage if the terrain requires lockers engaged. They're loaner cars.
CatharticCathexis not true
These guys dont really strike me as having spent much time off road.
What makes it it’s a convertible and you could take the doors off that’s JEEP
But you can get a manual and that’s everything
Great Video, very nice tests please do more vehicle tests in this environment. One thing that concerning me deeply about the Jeep is that the rear passengers head area DOES NOT seem to be protected that well from things that might become loose in the bed and come forward into the passenger compartment. I can almost see the bike, or cooler come forward when the top is down and whacko goes right into the backrest of the rear passenger.
Surprised no body has brought this up.
Excellent job guys
Duratracks aren’t “big knobby tires” 🙄
Seriously. These were the best guys they could find to test offroad trucks?
Compared to their daily Toyota pruis' 13 inch tires they are
The ZR2 looks badass, the Jeep looks weird to me.
I understand but I'm used to weird looking things plus I like jeeps and trucks
Great entertaining review, the testing is top notch. I never really liked top gear... this is way better.
@calvin sorry for the random question what the frame of your glasses?
I think the gladiator is really cool. It’s the only truck that can give you an open air experience but it’s way to long. The zr2 is hands down my first choice I can take the doors off it is I really want to lol
This comparison seems a little shady to me seems like they was doing a whole lot of praising to the jeep 😒 or is it just me
Tellie Smith just you it looks like.
you're spot on. they gotta get off jeeps nuts so we can get a legitimate comparison. that break over angle is terrible. that wash they took it through both trucks could've done in 2wd. but they put the Colorado in 4 low?? no mention of lockers? crazy how many gladiator fanboys there are even before anyone owns one lol.
Bought and paid for by the highest bidder
If all the praise was to the ZR2 it’d have been okay though? I think they were excited about it and a lot of good things were said about the ZR2 as well.
Edmund's biased shit everytime against GM, no matter how great their cars are, ZR2 easily beats the gladiator. The end.
I just noticed it looks like it has molly on the back of the front seats so you can attach bags and gear to it. That's frickin cool.
Great review. As a ZR2 owner, I like the removable top feature on the Gladiator. I was impressed that the ZR2 appeared to handle the obstacles a little better than the Gladiator. I was hoping to see a little more of the capabilities of these two machines. I would love it if you guys did another review and threw in the Tacoma TRD Pro and the Ranger 4X4. Keep up the good work.